The Maine Army National Guard’s Civil Support Team (CST), in coordination with Maine’s Emergency Management Agency, will conduct “full-scale exercise intended to assess response and mitigation efforts by responders and emergency managers to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) and explosive hazards, as well as to practice interagency communication, information sharing and coordination to complex man-made disasters.”

“A full-scale inter-agency training exercise is happening the first week of June,” the Maine Emergency Management Agency said.

The operation is called 'Katahdin Shield 2024.'

“You will see increased activity from local, state, and federal agencies as they practice coordinating a response to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats,” a flyer read.

A full-scale inter-agency training exercise is happening the first week of June. Major impacts to the public are not anticipated. Learn more at https://t.co/J4kesHoFRs pic.twitter.com/2lrVkc3ct7

— Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) (@MaineEMA) May 23, 2024

Per the Maine Emergency Management Agency:

What is Katahdin Shield 2024?

Maine Army National Guard’s Civil Support Team (CST), supported by Maine Emergency Management Agency, are sponsoring this full-scale exercise intended to assess response and mitigation efforts by responders and emergency managers to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) and explosive hazards, as well as to practice interagency communication, information sharing and coordination to complex man-made disasters.

Participation of more than 30 agencies will be comprised of National Guard assets, Federal Agencies, Law Enforcement tactical and bomb teams as well as fire and hazmat teams. The public should be aware that any observed military, law enforcement, and fire response activities during the exercise are part of a simulated scenario and not indicative of a real-life emergency.

When is this happening?

The exercise takes place the week of June 3 – 6, 2024. The public can expect to see vehicles and teams arriving the first weekend in June as agencies gear up for the week of events.

Where is this happening?

Activities will take place across the state with significant activity in and around Casco Bay in Portland and South Portland, Fort Williams, Winthrop and Houlton. Citizens are asked not to interfere with operations so that the exercise can be conducted as planned.

“The 11^th Civil Support Team (CST) is a Maine National Guard unit composed of Army and Air Force personnel whose mission is to support local, state, and federal first responders and emergency managers in the event of an accidental or intentional release of hazardous materials. The CST supports its civil partners by identifying hazardous materials, assessing potential consequences, and advising and assisting on how to respond to and mitigate hazards. This mission supports the traditional role of the National Guard in supporting states and the nation during natural and man-made disasters. Each state and territory in the United States has a Civil Support Team, who primarily support missions within their home state/territory but are capable of deploying to other states to provide additional support in the event of a major disaster,” the announcement read.

The Maine National Guard Will Conduct Training Exercises to Prepare for Nuclear Strikes on U.S. Soil.

• Maine’s Emergency Management Agency, along with the Maine National Guard’s Civil Support Team, will conduct full-scale training exercises to prepare for a potential weapon of… pic.twitter.com/op8zunqixe

— Bruce Snyder (@realBruceSnyder) May 24, 2024

Maine Wire reports:

Katahdin Shield will have the participating agencies simulating a response to attacks on Maine from biological, chemical, explosive, radiological, and even nuclear weapons.

The operation will also focus on communication and coordination between agencies in the event of a disaster.

Training exercises will be held in multiple locations across the state, including in and around Casco Bay, Portland and South Portland, Fort Williams, Winthrop, and Houlton, which borders Canada.

The public is asked not to approach the exercises to watch, or interfere in any way.

It is unclear why Maine is holding the exercises now, or whether they come in response to particular world events.